Well, everybody, today is the anniversary of Valerie's death. One year ago today, Jesus took her spirit Home to Heaven. Her children, Paul and Lora, have asked me to post messages about her here on RFTH, on their behalf. I will post Paul's first, in this reply, and Lora's in the next one.
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Hi Mom,

I can't believe that exactly one year has arrived since you passed away and went with Jesus to your permanent and breathtaking/paradise home in Heaven. I sometimes feel that these past 12 months have gone by so fast, yet, at the same time it feels that this time period has been an eternity (if that makes any sense?). It is true, time does heal and things have gotten a little easier to deal with on a daily basis. But life feels so different without seeing you, hugging you, and hearing your voice. As you know, the family has become closer and we are taking care of each other the best we can.

We are all trying to take care of Dad and things, for the most part, are going really well in doing so with him. As for myself and Gloria, we are doing well and, at times, when we get a bit of really good news at home or at work, these are the times that I feel like crying(?). I feel that God is continuously taking care of us and always watching over us and providing everything that we need to keep living the best we can each day forward. You have always taught me to work hard and the rewards in life will follow naturally by Him. So, when I start crying (instead of laughing with joy) in response to good things happening, it is a response to God to show Him that I don't deserve it. But I realize the He is a Forgiving and Loving God and He does what He wants, when He wants. All these mixed feelings and new perspectives that I have had during the last year all culminates from your love, raising, good values, and teachings over the years. I absolutely thank you for all of that and I know that I have been blessed with the best mother that I could ever have in my life. God made that happen for me when I was born, up until this moment and beyond.

Sometimes when I go to bed, I feel scared and have an empty feeling within me. Then when I think about you, it all gets better. Just like when I was a little boy, you always came to me to give help and comfort when I needed it most (like when thunder and lightning would strike outside or when I hurt myself playing, etc). This shows that you are still so alive within me and around me. I know I am not perfect and I still need help. This is why I think about you and talk to you and I know you are there listening. These 12 months have been so hard to deal with on an emotional level. There is that empty feeling there but it is gone when I realize and feel that you are in the BEST PLACE EVER! No more pain, no more sorrow - just pure happiness for you which you so deserve! So many mixed emotions that I have dealt with but I am still doing my best each day - never giving up. I obviously learned this from you - you will always be an inspiration to me. I have learned so much from you - to give respect and fairness to others but not let anyone take advantage and to stand up for myself.

Kathy asked me the other day if RFTH would be renewed for another year. I told her YES. This website needs to continue in order to keep your legacy and recognition alive and to continuously provide information to those who come across it. On behalf on the entire family, we are so proud that Kathy has continued to keep the site running with all her strength, will, love, and determination. God Bless and Thank You, Kathy! As long as she is willing to run the website, we will keep renewing the site each year. Personally, this makes me feel so good because RFTH is something that you built from the start and it would be a total shame to see it cease all of a sudden.

Mom, I have so much more to say but these are the main things that I wanted to get off my chest. I miss you so dearly but I know you are with me each day. I can feel you at home and at work too. It has been hard but I have accepted that this is a part of life and that we need to keep moving forward the best we can. Again, I am so happy that you reached your final and ultimate goal - to be in Heaven, to be Home with God, with Jesus.

I love you so much! Say hi to Baba and Dido too (please relay my love to them).

Till we meet again. Keeping you in my heart and mind - always!


Love, your one and only son (and on behalf of Gloria),

Paul

I posted Paul's message in the previous reply; now I will post Lora's below.
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It's been a whole year since our beautiful mother has passed away. There is not a single day that goes by that I don't think about her. There is a huge void in my life that can never be filled. You all remember her for her wonderful work on this site, and for spreading the good news. We knew her as Mom. A lovely lady with a heart of gold. No matter how much pain she was suffering, she always put others before herself. She always picked up the phone to make sure we were all ok. She has this spirit that is so strong. I feel her presence in my life all the time. I hear her voice in my head telling me to take care of myself. I've had countless dreams of her so vibrant and happy. She is sending us all a message that she lives on in God's kingdom of heaven. She lives on in us, her beloved family and friends. There are days I feel I can deal with anything thrown at me, and I know she has something to do with that. She is pulling strings up there for sure. There are some days I'm completely broken inside and I feel I cannot go on without her. But here I am. Fighting the good fight like she used to say. She made me promise her weeks before she died that if anything were to happen to her that I wouldn't give up. I have kept my promise Ma. I love you more than words can express and today my heart is broken but is still beating. I know you are at peace Ma, with Jesus and all our loved one gone before us. I will miss you till the day I die. Make sure Jesus builds that mansion for me right next to yours. Please continue to remember our mother in your prayers, and our family too. God bless you all and I hope one day we will all be reunited in heaven together. But for now it's one day at a time, like my mother always said.


With love in Christ,


Lora

Well, yesterday was the anniversary of Valerie's death; today is the anniversary of the day I learned of her death. One year ago, this morning, I received an email from Paul informing me of her death--an email he asked me to share with everyone here on the forum. On that day, I took on Valerie's job as forum administrator--a job I felt inadequate to do justice to, needless to say! We all miss her, but at least we know she's in Heaven with Jesus, and when the trumpet blows, we'll join her in the clouds when we all gather up there.

Do any of you wish to add anything at this point?